Street sign



Nov. 23, 1937. B. H. ERNST STREET SIGN Filed March 27, 1957 2 Sheer,s. eet 1 In tor B. EMSZ By wh Att ys Nov. 23, 1937. l B. a. ERNST' 2,099,882

STREET SIGN Filed March 27, 1957 2 Sheets-Sheet 2 w z a a j 0 /9 A w 7 //s:

n-szlln entor I I: gnasm W finale- Attorneys Patented Nov. 23, 1937 STREET SIGN Ben H. Ernst, Buffalo, N. Y.

Application March 27,

2 Claims.

This invention relates to so-called street signs, and more particularly to the type attachable to a lamp post or the like, and the primary purpose of the invention is to provide an effectively constructed sign possessed of such structural merit and refinements as to constitute an appreciable contribution to this specific line of endeavor.

It is a matter of common knowledge that the particular art to which the invention relates is fairly well developed, and that so-called artificially illuminated signs have been adopted and used with good results. Being generally conversant with the present state of development, however, I have discovered the need for the provision of what is believed to be a more simple and inexpensive arrangement characterized by factors and noteworthy improvements calculated to justify its endorsement and acceptance by the trade in general as a substitute for ineffective types now in use.

In keeping with a desire to perfect an arrangement susceptible of measuring up to the requirements of the trade, I have evolved and structurally perfected what is believed to be an ingenious structural arrangement wherein the indicia thereon may be visibly seen at night by both pedestrians and automobile drivers, the same being such as not to interfere with the effectiveness of the street lamp, not to detract from the general ornamental appearance, and serving to utilize the source of light as a means to promote adequate visibility within a reasonable range.

Since signs of this type are subject to the constant action of the elements, in reducing the principles of the invention to practice, I have foreseen the ordinary difficulties to be expected, and have so perfected the preferred embodiment of the invention to provide an arrangement to combat such conditions and to promote longevity and well directed service. v

Other features and advantages will become more readily apparent from the following description and drawings.

In the drawings:

Figure 1 is an elevational view showing what may be called a lamp post, and illustrating the improved street sign properly mounted thereon.

Figure 2 is a top plan view of the sign structure per se removed from the lamp post.

Figure 3 is what may be called an inside elevational view of one of the sides of the frame forming the major part of the construction.

Figure 4 is a section on the line 44 of Figure 3.

1937, Serial No. 133,462

Figure 5 is a similar section with the glass panel removed.

Referring now to the drawings by distinguishing reference numerals, it will be observed that the device proper is in the nature of a substan- 5 tially rectangular frame which is unitarily denoted by the numeral 6. The frame may be said to include four right angularly connected side members. Each side member comprises a metal plate I of appropriate dimensions, the same having the name of the street or other insignia stenciled or cut therein, as indicated at 8. This is backed by a glass panel 9 of suitable dimensions, which glass is preferably opal. The upper edge of the metal plate is bent intoa retaining channel, as at m, and the glass is slipped up into the channel and held firmly therein by a removable retaining strip II. This strip is longitudinally elongated and appropriately fastened in place, as indicated at the points I2 and I3, and H the upper edge of the strip is offset to form what may be called a bottom or keeper channel It. Thus, the plate of glass is clamped firmly between these channels. It is to be observed that the ends of the keeper channel I4 are bent laterally and fastened down, as indicated at l 3, to lock the glass in place and against endwise slippage. When the device is properly fashioned, the members forming the sides of the frame incline downwardly, as brought out to advantage in Figure 1. Moreover, in diagonally opposite corners I weld or otherwise anchor attaching lugs I5 to accommodate the retention or attaching strap 16. This is a simple length of metal bent intermediate its ends, as at ll, to form a half-clamp. The complemental semi-circular half-clamp is indicated at [8, and has its ends bolted or otherwise fashioned to the intermediate portion of the strap l6, as indicated at the points 19. This affords a simple and effective means for maintaining the device correctly in place on the lamp post 20.

Attention is called to the angular slant of the companion features forming the frame-like sign. By thus placing the sign several feet below the lamp, the light rays play or impinge in a direct path on the glass panel causing the shafts of light to appear through the cut-out letters in the metal plate. Hence, the illuminated insignia can be seen in almost any direction from a reasonable distance. Th sign itself is disposed on a plane below the lamp proper and therefore does not interfere with the utility of the lamp, or the general appearance of the complete sign and lamp conjointly. By using the uncovered glass panels and. disposing them on the inner surfaces,

It is thought that the description taken in connection with the drawings will enable a clear understanding of the invention to be had. Therefore, a more lengthy description is thought unnecessary.

While the preferred embodiment of the invention has been shown and described, it-is to be understood that minor changes coming within the field of invention claimed may be resorted to if desired.

I claim:

1. In a structure of the class described, in combination, a lamp post, a frame surrounding the lamp post in spaced relation, said frame including stenciled members and glass panels coop' erable with said members, said frame being provided in diagonally opposite corners with attaching lugs, an attaching strap disposed horizontally and diagonally within the limits of the frame, said strap having its ends connected with said lugs, the central portion thereof being bowed to form a semi-circular part-clamp, and a companion correspondingly shaped detachable clamping member cooperable therewith. V

2. 'A street sign of the class described compris- 'ing a frame including a plate stenciled to provide desired street name indicia, the upper longitu- V dinal edge of said plate being bent upon itself to provide a longitudinally extending retention channel of a length commensurate with the plate itself, a glass panel disposed against the inner side of said plate, said panel being of a length less than the plate and less than said retention channel, and a detachable keeper channel secured also to the inner side of said plate adjacent the lower edge thereof and engageable with the lower adjacent edge of said glass panel, said keeper channel including an attaching flange and an oiTset channel-forming portiornthe ends of said channel-forming portion terminating inwardly of the ends of said plate and being bent toward the plate and secured thereto to guard against endwise displacement of said glass panel.

BEN H. ERNST. 

